Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Claire Kerrane TD, has said that Fine Gael are now attempting to mimic Sinn Féin’s plan to transform childcare but their announcements lack credibility.

Sinn Féin have set out how to cut childcare costs to just €10 per day, per child.

In recent days, Fine Gael has followed with similar announcements.

Teachta Kerrane said:

“Sinn Féin have set out our plans to deliver childcare at a cost of just €10 per day per child. This would make a real difference for families by ensuring they get a break from unaffordable costs.

“Our plan is ambitious, detailed and fully costed. It would also address capacity issues in the sector to ensure that every child who needs a place gets one. It would also ensure early years educators can remain in the sector through better pay and conditions, ending the recruitment and retention crisis.

“In recent days, Fine Gael have echoed our calls with similar announcements. I welcome that they are now finally waking up to the pressures that ordinary families are under. 

“However, their plans lack credibility. Fine Gael have been in government for over 14 years and in this time they have overseen the crisis in childcare. On their watch, families have been forced to fork out eye watering amounts for childcare, often amounting to a sector mortgage or rent each month.

“No one seriously believes that Fine Gael are the solution to the crisis, when they are in fact the very cause of it.

“At the upcoming election, voters will face a choice between more of the same under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil or a government for change led by Sinn Féin. This is a choice between lofty ideas and lip service about childcare costs, or a credible and detailed plan to deliver change.

“A government led by Sinn Féin will prioritise ending the childcare crisis and delivering a system where childcare costs €10 a day, is accessible and has fair conditions for workers.”